★ ISRAEL
U.S. Guarantees Sustain Ceasefire as Hamas Reviews Phased Gaza Deal
A revised U.S.-backed proposal offers Hamas phased hostage releases and humanitarian aid in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire, with Washington providing key guarantees to prevent a resumption of hostilities as long as negotiations are serious. The U.S. assurances aim to stabilize talks and ensure continuity, even if a final agreement is delayed. Core disputes over prisoner lists, aid delivery, and Israeli withdrawal persist.
Netanyahu Vows Total Eradication of Hamas After Gaza War
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged Wednesday there will be no Hamas presence in post-war Gaza, declaring, “It’s over.” Speaking in Ashkelon, he vowed to eliminate Hamas “to its roots” and free all hostages. His remarks followed President Trump’s announcement that Israel accepted terms for a 60-day ceasefire, urging Hamas to approve the proposed agreement.
Israel’s Missile Defense Saved $15B, Secured Air Superiority in Iran War
Israel’s missile defense prevented over $15 billion in damage and achieved 86% interception of Iranian ballistic missiles during the 12-day war. Upgraded Arrow, Iron Dome, and David’s Sling systems reached over 99% drone interception. Advanced UAVs executed 500+ strikes, comprising 60% of the air force flight hours. Space intel enabled dominance over Iranian targets.
Armed Groups Linked to Fatah Challenge Hamas in Gaza
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Fatah-linked armed groups, funded by the Palestinian Authority, are operating against Hamas in northern and southern Gaza, alongside Abu Shabab’s militia in Rafah. Hamas accused Abu Shabab of treason and gave him 10 days to surrender. While Hamas claims he’s backed by Israel, his group denies ties and insists it protects aid convoys.
Israeli Soldier Killed in Gaza, Three Others Seriously Wounded
Sgt. Yaniv Michalovitch, 19, was killed and three soldiers seriously injured during operations in northern Gaza. Simultaneously, rockets were launched at Sderot. Palestinian media reported that an IDF strike killed the Gaza City hospital chief, his wife, and three children, with seven others allegedly killed near an aid site as hostilities continue.
IDF Hits Gaza Cell After Rocket Fire, Strikes 150 Targets
After rocket fire from Gaza triggered sirens in Sderot, the IDF struck the responsible terror cell in northern Gaza and launched widespread airstrikes on 150 targets. These included tunnels, sniper posts, weapons caches, and militant infrastructure. Ground forces killed a militant in northern Gaza and seized rifles and mortars in Khan Yunis. Evacuation warnings were issued earlier.
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★ IRAN
U.S. Strikes Set Back Iran’s Nuclear Program by Two Years
The Pentagon confirmed U.S. strikes on June 22 severely damaged Iran’s nuclear program, delaying progress by up to two years. Over a dozen bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles targeted key facilities, including Fordow. Despite earlier doubts, updated intelligence supports significant disruption. Iran admitted serious damage, though experts warn enriched uranium stockpiles may have been relocated.
Iran Charges Two French Nationals With Espionage for Israel
Iran formally charged French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris with espionage for Mossad, conspiracy to overthrow the regime, and “corruption on earth” —all punishable by death. France denounced the charges as baseless and continues to demand their unconditional release. The detainees have not yet accessed independent legal counsel despite three years of detention.
Iran Blames Azerbaijan for Israel War Failures As Baku-Jerusalem Ties Grow
Iran accused Azerbaijan of aiding Israel during their recent conflict, prompting Azerbaijani analysts to call it a scapegoating tactic after Tehran’s military failure. Despite tensions, Iranian President Pezeshkian plans to attend a summit in Baku. Azerbaijan, now a key Israeli ally, supplies oil and buys arms from Jerusalem, angering Tehran. Baku also eyes joining the Abraham Accords.
Swiss Spy Report Fuels Alarm Over Mysterious Tehran Deaths
Switzerland’s intelligence agency warned of growing Iranian espionage threats following fresh claims about the 2021 death of Swiss diplomat Sylvie Brunner in Tehran. A former IRGC officer alleged Brunner was pushed from her balcony, contradicting Iran’s suicide ruling. Her death is one of four unexplained Swiss fatalities in Iran, prompting calls in Bern for an international investigation and tighter embassy security.
Tehran Offers Minimal Payouts for Israeli Strike Damage As Criticism Mounts
Tehran’s mayor proposed $88 per square meter in compensation for homes damaged by Israeli strikes, far below the $1,000 market rate. About 3,500 housing units were affected during Operation Rising Lion. No compensation plans exist for residents outside Tehran. Iran reportedly paid Lebanese Hezbollah families up to $14,000 each, sparking criticism over domestic funding priorities.
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★ SYRIA
Russia Mediates Secret Talks Between Israel and Syria Post-Ceasefire
Russia launched secret diplomatic efforts between Israel and Syria after last week’s Israel-Iran ceasefire, aiming to defuse tensions in southern Syria. Israel, seeking to stabilize the front, views Moscow as a viable intermediary and is evaluating a potential peace framework with Damascus. However, Syria firmly rejected negotiations, demanding that Israel first comply with the 1974 disengagement agreement by withdrawing from the occupied territories. This stance was reinforced after an Israeli raid in southern Syria resulted in three civilian detentions. UN peacekeeping official Jean-Pierre Lacroix confirmed that Israel’s presence in the buffer zone breaches the 1974 accord. The standoff underscores the fragility of regional stability following the recent escalation.
Syria Considers Abraham Accords to Curb Turkish Influence, Stirring Regional Tensions
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is exploring ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords to reduce Turkish dominance without fully cutting ties. Türkiye views this shift as a threat, given its extensive influence in Syria, including cabinet ties and military presence. A Syria-Israel deal could boost Damascus’s independence and Gulf relations, undermining Ankara’s regional strategy.
Hama Authorities Accused Of Forcible Alawite Village Displacement
Syrian officials in Hama, collaborating with Ektifa Agricultural Investment, are forcibly displacing Alawite-majority villages under a false agricultural development plan. Armed groups linked to HTS terrorize residents into fleeing, after which their land is seized or leased to newcomers. So far, 23 villages in eastern and northern Hama have been emptied in what observers label systematic demographic engineering.
Austria to Deport Syrian Man, First Forced Return in EU Since Assad’s Fall
Austria is set to forcibly deport a Syrian man stripped of asylum after a criminal conviction, marking the EU’s first such action since Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Rights groups warn this move could prompt similar deportations across Europe despite Syria’s ongoing instability. The man has filed a new asylum claim while awaiting deportation, delayed by regional airspace closures.
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★ GULF COUNTRIES
Qatar Orders Hamas Leaders to Disarm Under U.S. Ceasefire Pressure
Qatar, under U.S. pressure, instructed senior Hamas officials in Doha, including Khalil al-Hayya, to surrender personal weapons to advance Gaza ceasefire talks. Al-Hayya, fearing assassination after an Israeli warning, shifted stance and accepted the latest proposal. Trump’s firm stance on Israel reportedly boosted Hamas’s trust in American guarantees, raising hopes for a final agreement.
Saudi Arabia Deploys First THAAD System After $15 Billion Deal
Saudi Arabia unveiled its first THAAD missile defense battery after testing, training, and inspections, following a $15 billion U.S. deal signed under President Trump. Built with Lockheed Martin, the system enhances Saudi defense and supports domestic manufacturing. THAAD, deployed to Israel in 2024, intercepts ballistic missiles with high-altitude precision using hit-to-kill technology.
Israel-Iran War Slows UAE’s Private Sector Growth in June
UAE’s non-oil private sector showed a slight weakening in June, with the PMI inching up to 53.5 due to war-driven demand drop. New orders grew at their slowest pace in 45 months, though output rose as firms focused on clearing backlogs. Firms also faced shipping delays and mild input cost inflation, while selling prices fell for the first time in six months.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Loses 10,000 Fighters, Faces Pressure To Disarm
Around 10,000 Hezbollah fighters are now inactive due to war losses, with 2,000 others quitting post-Nasrallah’s assassination. Israeli strikes degraded Hezbollah’s southern presence, destroyed weapons, and forced training camps to close. Lebanon prepares a unified reply to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s proposal for Hezbollah to disarm by November in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied points.
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★Disclaimer:
The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
